Pinkbike Product Picks

While best known for their waterproof, breathable fabric, W.L. Gore & Associates has an extensive product portfolio, which includes everything from medical equipment, vacuum filters, guitar strings, as well as a cycling apparel division (Gore Bike Wear). The Gore Alp-X Windstopper shorts are constructed of a soft shell fabric and are windproof, breathable and highly water resistant. Intended for mountain biking in cooler weather, the shorts have a slim fit and a 14 inch inseam. The waist is adjustable on each side via a buckle that slides on a piece of nylon webbing. The inner leg and the crotch area, the highest wear areas of a bike short, are made of an abrasion resistant fabric. The Alp-X shorts also have two rear zip pockets, each with a strip of reflective material on them. MSRP: $119.99 USD. www.goreapparel.com

The Gore Alp-X Windstopper shorts proved to be an excellent choice for foul weather riding.

Pinkbike's take:

We received our test pair of Gore's Alp-X shorts just as the temperatures began to drop and the rain began to fall in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, we've been reluctant to wear anything else - they're that comfortable. The stretchy softshell fabric is reminiscent of a well-worn pair of sweat pants, but with the added benefit of being water resistant and breathable. The fit was first-rate, with the top of the short falling just below our kneecap. While the Alp-X short has a slim cut, the stretchy fabric let us wear knee pads underneath without any trouble. Most of the time we used these on all-mountain rides, wearing them with a pair of knee warmers on cooler days. On rainy days the fabric worked as advertised, keeping us dry much longer than a typical riding short would. During heavy rain the shorts would eventually soak through, but they dried quickly as soon as the rain let up. While the lack of any kind of venting means the Alp-X would likely be too warm for summer riding, the shorts were comfortable even in temperatures up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The only slight bobble in the shorts' design is the two rear pockets - any items placed in them end up pressing directly into the back of the leg when riding. Other than this minor detail, the Alp-X shorts are an ideal garment for riding in cool, wet weather. The excellent fit, comfort and performance of the Alp-X short place it high on our list of recommended riding apparel. - Mike Kazimer

Specialized Butcher Control 2.3 tire

Specialized's Butcher tires first arrived on the scene a few years ago on the bikes of the Monster Energy/Specialized team, whose input was used to develop the tread pattern for this tire. Since then, a number of different versions of the Butcher have become available, from the Butcher DH with its dual ply casing and soft rubber compound, all the way to the Butcher Control 2.3, which is the lightest of all the options. Measuring in on the wide side of 2.3”, and weighing approximately 730 grams, the Butcher Control is intended to be an all-mountain tire capable of working well in a variety of conditions. The tire uses a 50a durometer rubber compound throughout the entire tread, and has a reinforced sidewall that Specialized claims offers 15 percent more cut resistance over their non-reinforced offerings. The Butcher Control is a folding bead tire, and is tubeless compatible. MSRP: $50 USD (26”), $55 (29”). www.specialized.com

Looking for a tire that won't disappoint when the trail gets technical? With its reasonable weight and price, the Specialized Butcher Control is a worthy candidate.

Pinkbike's take:

We rolled the Butcher Control through a wide range of conditions, from the dusty, dry and loose trails of summer to the wet, slimy and muddy trails of late fall/early winter. Throughout it all, the Butcher was a predicable and reliable tire, no matter the terrain. It's one of those tires you don't think about; it fades to the background, performing its job without any erratic behavior or odd handling that would draw attention to it. We didn't notice any more rolling resistance than expected from this style of tire. Granted, it's not as fast rolling as the glorified cyclocross tires XC racers ride around on, but despite its meaty tread the Butcher didn't feel sluggish, even on long, gradual climbs. Credit is due in part to its weight (730 grams), which is very reasonable for a tire of this width and with such an aggressive tread pattern. Cornering performance was admirable - even in loose, flat corners the Butcher dug in and held its own, gripping tenaciously. The 50 durometer rubber compound was much appreciated when the mud season returned - we were able to find traction on slippery roots where other tires would have spun out. The Butcher Control would be an excellent choice for an all-mountain or enduro rider looking for a wide tire that can handle rowdy terrain and won't break the bank. - Mike Kazimer

Sombrio Spun glove

Approaching their fifteenth year in business, Sombrio makes a wide range of mountain bike apparel and accessories. The Sombrio Spun glove is a bare-bones, minimalist glove featuring a wood grain patterned, breathable mesh back panel and an unpadded AX Suede palm, which is designed to be highly abrasion resistant. The fingertips are reinforced, and have a silicone pattern (in the shape of a mustache) screen printed on the first two fingers for increased grip. The Spun gloves close with an elasticized hook and loop closure at the wrist. MSRP: $15 USD. www.bike.sombriocartel.com

The Sombrio Spun glove was light and comfortable, but didn't have the durability we desired.

Pinkbike's take:

Sombrio's Spun gloves were very comfortable from the beginning, with no break in period required. The Spun's mesh back panel is stretchy, which let the gloves conform well to our hands. The back panel also allowed for excellent ventilation on warm days, and places the Spun squarely in the summer glove category - these gloves wouldn't be warm enough once the temperatures begin to drop. The mesh back panel did begin to pill up after a few close encounters with shrubs and bushes that were encroaching on the trail. Also, after only a few days of riding, the thumb crotch seam began to come apart on both gloves. The seam splitting seemed to reach a certain point and then stop, but we don't have high hopes for these gloves in the long term. Although the retail price of the Sombrio Spun glove is very reasonable, it seems to be a case of "you get what you pay for." In a pinch, say, you're on vacation and forgot your gloves at home, the Spun would work as a simple, well ventilated glove, but for long term use we'd like to see the durability issues sorted out before we can recommend them. - Mike Kazimer

Hm... these are simply shorter knobbed impersonation of Minion DHF. There is no way they roll slower than Minions, yet people love´eM for different applications, in fact it was the most used pattern on this year's DH Worldcup

WAKI, I'd say that the DH Butchers are a slower rolling tire than a Minion DHF. The nice thing about the Butcher Control highlighted here is they have the same predictable feel of the DH version, but in a lighter, faster rolling package.

I bought a set of butchers to try last summer. My tires shredded way too fast. Yes I bomb rock gardens and drug my rear down some intense gravel steeps but it was way too fast. That being said I liked how they worked in all conditions. So if wear and replacement isn't an issue I would say try them.

You should definitely try out the Control version of this tire instead of the DH if you felt like they rolled slowly. I had a pair of Butcher SX tires on my 7" travel bike and hated riding them because I would lose so much speed unless I was really on a "DH"trail. I got a Stumpy Comp Evo 26" and use this Control compound tire in the front, it is LOADS faster than the DH or SX compounds. This is partially due to a harder compound for the rubber and lower center knobs, as well as almost being almost half the weight. I was very disappointed with the DH and SX compounds, but the Butcher Control 2.3 has grown to be one of my absolute favorite all around front tires.

To the other users above, this tire lasts a lot longer in the Control compound as the rubber isn't quite as "gummy". I also recommend it in the front rather than front/rear.

The Dissent's knobs are too wide and flat, and there isn't enough of a channel in between them, so you almost get a "slick tire" effect on anything loose. I feel like they're great for places like Moab with lots of solid rock, but most of the time they feel slow and like they wash out all the time. Looking forward to the Vigilante from WTB as the next big-block tread tire from them.

I must look like a f*cking rainbow then. Red 5:10's, Gary race face shorts (available in blue and green also), blue & yellow troy lee top and lime green berghaus jacket. Oh and a blue camelbak nomad pack. They all cost a fortune but got them all at bargain online prices.

Because the cheap stuff just doesn't hold up. I have a pair of Canari shorts that I got a bit less than a season out of before the liner started coming apart. I've just gotten used to buying the nicer gear because I can get more than a year out of it. My Oakley shorts have held up far better to wrecks too, I don't think you can tell where any abrasions are.

I need mtb shorts in combinations of brown and yellow to hide the stains from when I pss and sht myself after choosing the wrong line and almost killing myself. Which happens far too often. A bit of red to disguise the blood from the inevitable crash does not go astray either.

yeah i love my Gore long sleeve jersey, its great for 50 to 55 F, or 45 to 50 F with a short sleeve long underwear below, or 35 to 45 F with a long sleeve underwear below. but you forget, Gore is a little too XC for DH and FR focused Pinkbike

My Wife just found my Gore gortex shorts. They were great in florida when it was hot and wet and we have been having some freak showers this summer in oz too. They are pac lite so just stay permanently in my bag for when I need them and go over whatever shorts I'm wearing to keep my bum dry. Love them.

I have a very similar pair of Gore-tex shorts that I have been using for about four years, they're great and have held up really well. Mine actually have zip vents on the side of each leg that are awesome for dumping heat, as well as lowers that zip on/off quite easily to turn them into full length pants. Never thought I would like that feature, but it turns out its pretty nice. They manage to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.. probably the best riding shorts I've ever owned!

question for someone who has run the butcher tire on a dh/fr bike, Im worried about the tire rolling around on the bead, does that happen often? I'm worried that when riding trails like A-line the tire will compress and roll laterally making hitting the high speed jumps sketchy.

Great product picks, PB. I am in need of new tires AND shorts, so I will check each of these out. I never even knew Gore fabric shorts existed! I usually use my Chrome knickers in the winter months. Way more expensive but very, very durable.

Pretty sure one of the former head designers from Maxxis moved over to Specialized a few years ago. That said I loved the Butcher DH on my DH bike and am currently running a Butcher Control on the front and Purgatory on the rear of my Rune. Specialized puts out some good tires for the money.

The butchers seems to roll slower than the minnions, but Steve Peat have been winning on the butchers for years! I saw his tires up close and someone had taken a marker to hide the brand...thought that was funny.

I'm glad they got the bead/ sidewall issue taken care of! I've been on the Butcher SX 2.5s for 2years now and just switched to the SX 2.3....it's a point and shoot tire and makes a sh*tty rider corner like a pro! 35psi is my sweet spot!

They provide additional warmth by protecting your twig and berries from the wind. Sure, some wind may come up the leg holes, but the windproof fabric really does make a noticeable difference. I'm not a fan of riding pants, so a short like this allows me to wear them even during the winter here in the Northwest.

article claims the butcher control 2.3"s come in on the "wide side of 2.3". Not true at all. My butcher controls have always measured a puny 2.2" and smaller than the sx 2.3"s.. the 2.5"s I have on my big bike are a different story though, definitely true 2.5's. Great tires.

Got muddy Mary tires from schwalbe in front and kenda k-rad for My rear wheel, and its the perfect combo for snow conditions, never use same tires.. Thats My tip, love the controls i got on front wheel and the perfect grip on rear not to Much and not to less

I makes me laugh how people on here twitter on about rolling resistance. When your belting down a DH track at warp speed avoiding rocks, roots, trees, hitting your corners right or sending that big road gap the last thing your thinking is "oh these tyres roll 1/2 mile an hour slower than those other tyres I had on the other week!!" True if you are running a Maxxis Minion on a pump track it will roll slower than a Maxxis DTH but the sort of riding that the butchers are designed for then you really don't notice if they roll slower/ faster than a Minion. Just get out there and enjoy your riding.

recently started buying giro gloves... they work really well, fit better than any glove I've ever owned, seem to be durable, and best of all, are super easy to find at clearance prices. For reference, just bought a few pairs of the DJ glove for 13 bucks a pair.

Me too... two pairs both split along the thumb seam as described in this review. I wasn't too bothered as I have big hands & tight gloves so kinda expect it, as no gloves last me very long. And I got them cheap.

Haven't ridden the Hans Dampf, but I know a few folks here that were really excited to get some, but ended up being disappointed with them in the long run. I have been running the Butchers on my AM and DH bike all season and have been loving them. Don't get the control casing, the SX is much more durable, although slightly heavier. It's well worth it.

I've enjoyed both tires a lot. For such different tread styles the tires have very similar characteristics. Very supple and consistent. Id say that the hd has more ultimate grip leaned over but the butcher has more feedback approaching grip limit. But for rocky areas I think the casing on the hd is a bit more robust.

In my experience the butcher rolls a bit faster. I've done a mod to my HDs where I remove 3 out of every 4 transition knobs on the front tire and 1 out of every 4 on the rear tire. This improves rolling speed on the front a lot and seems to help the side knobs grip better in loose conditions. It's a pretty dramatic change but once you get used to the grip gap I think it rocks. Don't even think about using the brakes while turning tho. I've got the scabs to prove it!

The Minions have advantages/disadvantages in my opinion. Advantages: grip, bombproof casing (for the downhill specific models), cornering. Disadvantages: weight (downhill specific are in excess of 1,000 grams), rolling resistance. I run a 2.5 downhill minion in front, and a single-casing 2.3 minion in the back. The downhill specific casing for the Minion is overkill for the kind of riding I do (mostly enduro-style, or all-mountain -- whatever you want to call it). Unless I'm pointing it downhill, that front tire makes it feel like I'm pounding through six inches of sludge at all times. But it does give me confidence hitting any kind of terrain. For my next tire, I was thinking of going with a single-ply Minion 2.5 up front, or maybe these Butchers, now that I've read this review. For what it's worth, I really liked the old Eskar Controlls my bike came with in terms of grip and rolling resistance, but the sidewalls were weak! I would burp them off the rim constantly. Does anyone know if the butchers have that same problem, or have they resolved that?

Your crotch gets hot when riding at an intense pace. Gore Shorts will give you a bad case of sweaty balls. Yes Gore material breaths but only if you are doing light easy riding. My wind stopper jacket gets soaked on the inside if I hammer for hours. Sweaty balls? Bad idea

I think the Butcher is a good tire, but Bontranger's XR4 is better all around. Both are model after the Minion, but it seems like Bontranger version has just as much grip, but rolls like nobody business!

Depends where you ride, for rooty stony trails in predominantly wet climate the XR4 lacks hooking surface across the cross section of the tyre, no groove for a root to jump into. It is as inefficient and irritating as the very similar Conti X-King. When talking semi slicks working in my place the Rocket Ron is excellent and Nobby Nic unbeatable. One might want MKingII as a stiffer, more stable and more durable alternative because when things get dry, and you put those on a 6" bike allowing you to go really fast, Schwalbies go to shreds.

I ridden the XR4 in the wet,muddy and rocky terrain we got here and it was actually pleasant. We don't have much of a root issue here in Colorado, so I can't comment on that. The one you described sounds a lot like the 2011 XR4s, but I have no experience with those either. All I know is that they revamp/remade it for 2012 and it's a great tire.

I can see why Gwin wasn't using them. I've tried the much ballyhooed new bontrager g4's which are supposedly a minion doppleganger, and I will give them one thing: they roll fast. Other than that they are utter garbage. The worst traction I have ever felt from a DH tire. Dry hard pack, rocks/roots, it doesn't matter. They were an instant confidence shatterer. I had the worst wipe-out of the season thanks to their cornering traction. How do people like those pieces of poo? I don't care who's designing their treads now, they're still terrible. Priority number one is rubber compound, and that seems to be proprietary so you're not getting the same performance from different brands despite them looking the same and often being made in the same factory.

It's true that certain Maxxis tyres (including the Minion) do come up a bit narrower than other brands, but for general trail riding I find that the 2.35" is ample - particularly when put on a wider rim. I run mine on Flows and don't have a problem with them being too narrow.

No other tire in the market can be compared with the Minion period. I've rode Schwalbe, Hutchinson, Continental, abd other major brands and no other tire is even close to the Minion, Highroller or Ardent for AM/Enduro/Freeride/Dh. The Minion Dhf 2.35 is simply unique, the confidance that you gain once you install them it's imediatly gained. I feel more confidence with a narrower Maxxis 2.35, than a 2.35 or 2.40 from other major brand.

I appreciate that you've actually tried a bunch of other tires before anointing the Minion's as supreme. Almost everyone rides them, becasue everyone rides them! However, my experience on their performance differs. I have four Minion DHF's collecting dust on the wall in my garage. Meanwhile my Continental Der Baron's destroy them in the grip department, especially on wet ground. That matters a lot around here. It feels like cheating sometimes. The only reason I can think of for them not being so popular is that the shops around here don't flog them hard because they take soooo long to order in (months) and are often back-ordered. So it's a pain for the shops to deal with.

minions are good but other brands are catching up, I ditched my maxxis ardents (torn sidewall after 1 rock garden) on my am bike for hans dampfs and they're very good cornering wise compared to the minions on the dh bike, that said my minions were a season older then the schwalbes

Ardents are now on my Absolute SX. Good on smooth and flowy DJ tracks. Agree, too fragile for rough and rocky tracks. No Hans Dampf in my region, Big Betty supersoft only. They dont work well with light riders, they are wallowy and to much airvolume - ditched them 2 years ago for Minions 42 on Supreme and Voltage.
951 came with Kendas - had a couple of fronttire wipe outs - one ended in ER. No problems with Minions now. Does Rockgardens at low 1.5 pressure without failure.

Reviving this thread a bit. Yes, I just did this a couple of rides ago and love it. Better traction that using a purgatory in the back as I used to. I am extremely happy with Butchers F&R now specially since the bike feels very similar to my DH Bike (I use butchers too) when smashing some DH runs.

seriously? You need your eyes checked out. The look more like Minions. The thing I like about Specialized tires is they grip as good as Maxxis but they outlast them by a huge margin. Specialized Clutch is probably the most underrated tire on the market.

Agree.
Minion 42shore is a truly great tire by a wide margin. .
Sadly Butcher is just a lookalike product - missing all the qualities like durability, grip, stiffness, thougness, allweather down to 10 degrees celsius.